Photos from Hallohallo Entertainment Inc.
The much awaited MNL48 album has finally announced its release of their first single “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita”, a “Tagalized” version of AKB48 song of the same title on August 11, 2018 at Movie Stars Café. While onAugust 18, 2018, the group will have a live performance of “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita and willreveal its music video on ABS-CBN’s noontime show, It’s Showtime.
MNL48 is an all-girl sing-and-dance group, aging 15-20 years old (average age of 16) with 48 members and 19 trainees. The group is the Filipino version and the newest sister-group of the highest-selling J-pop phenomenon, AKB48, which started in Japan in 2006 and now has franchise all over Asia, including BNK48 (Bangkok), JKT48 (Jakarta) and TPE48 (Taipei), among others.
The Aitakatta is the signature song of the highest selling idol group in Japan and MNL48 sister group,AKB48. The song was the 1st major single of the group and topped the Oricon Singles Chart, theJapanese music industry standard singles popularity chart in 2006.
Aside from Aitakatta, a “tagalized” version of “Sakura no Hanabiratchi – Talulot ng Sakura” and “Skirt, Hirari – Umiindak na Saya” are added to their debut album which also includes its instrumental versions to complete the six-track record. The physical copies (CDs) of the said album will be released this August 2018 under Hallohallo Entertainment Inc. (HHE) and Star Music. The album also includes the track list, complete song lyrics and ticket for the groups’ upcoming handshake event.
Based from AKB48’s tradition on costume and album launching, MNL48 used the Japanese school uniform as the official costume for their first single which sung by the top 16 members, also known as Senbatsu, namely Abby, Sela, Tin, Alice, Ella, Ash, Gabb, Jem, Sayaka, Faith, Lara, Grace, Quincy, Alyssa, Erica, and the elected Center Girl Sheki. Meanwhile, the songs on the debut album will hit the digital platforms iTunes and Spotify on August 31, 2018.
In addition, on August 31 “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita” official music video, directed by Japanese Director, Mr. Sho Makino will also air on MYX Premiere. In an interview with the director during the shoot of the music video, he said that he is very happy to be part of the first single of the group. He also added that the reason for choosing Intramuros and Manila Bay as their location because they wanted to showcase two of the historical places in the Philippines to the world.
Furthermore, the director mentioned that the original version of AKB48 Aitakatta music video was his inspiration for MNL48’s first MV, in hopes to share the Filipino culture and what “aidoru” (idol) really means.
To know more about the schedule and activities of MNL48, please visit MNL48 website at mnl48.ph, download MNL48 Fan Club app available on Apple Store and Google PlayStore, and follow them attheir social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @mnl48officialaccounts for more updates.
